Allergy Testing

Xavier is still struggling with eczema, so we've taken the step to get him allergy tested to see if there is something contributing or causing the condition.  He showed no allergic reaction to the top environmental irritants which is a relief because those seem to be the toughest to combat. Next up, food allergies. This past Friday he got tested and found that he is allergic to tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc) and eggs.

Xavier has had eggs, but isn't a big fan so this isn't a big loss. He's probably had tree nuts as well in baked goods or prepackaged food but we don't think he'll miss it (except for Grammy Edie's cookies).The good thing, if there is one in all this, is that his reactions to eggs and tree nuts seems to be contained (for now) to eczema and not the serious anaphylaxis reaction.

So this is the first week of avoiding all foods with egg and tree nuts, which is quite hard.  Who knew so many things have eggs?  Well, maybe a lot of people. Anyway, we're working with our daycare to change his menu going forward.

We'll keep everyone posted, but the hope is that his eczema will drastically improve with the elimination of eggs and tree nuts.  Fingers crossed!!

The Doudt Boys

Xavier and I ate some Dunkin Donuts and then had some fun at Marbles kids museum this morning.

Sack O' Tatoes

Going LIVE in 3...2...1...

Breaking news!

www.anthonydoudtphotography.com is now live - Call your friends and family!  

(yes, that's Xavier "talking" on a mouse)

I've created a new website to try and kickstart some local photography work here in Raleigh. I will still have, and use, the Fine Art website to sell prints but this new site will help me potentially attract local photography projects. I'm excited about it!!


Note: www.anthonydoubtphotography.com should also work as I bought the misspelled website as well...just in case.

Bridget Is On The Move

Our sweet little girl is officially crawling all over the place. She's not even 7 months old yet!  It's usually in 2 or 3 movements at a time but she gets where she wants to go eventually.  We believe having a loving and encouraging older brother is helping her reach these milestones much quicker than anticipated. She might be walking by 8 months at this rate.

Here is the video evidence (I used the Hyperlapse app to speed up the process a little):

Bridget at 6 Months

Bridget had her 6 month check up today (a week late) and here are her stats:
Weight: 16 lbs, 14.2 oz (62%)
Height: 26.75 in (78%)

Bridget is still a great sleeper, very good natured, loves to jump, and is very fond of her big brother who makes her laugh. She is also very very close to crawling. She'll get on her hands and knees and rock but hasn't quite made the next movement.  She still finds ways to scoot around and only gets upset when she backs up and gets stuck under the couch.

Here are some recent photos and videos of Xavier and Bridget:

Halloween 2014

Halloween is so much fun in our neighborhood each year.  We think they import kids for trick or treating...it's a steady flow of kids from 6:30-9pm, if you have enough candy.

Big changes from last year to this year for Xavier. He actually wore the hat to his Nemo costume the whole time and absolutely loved trick or treating. He was running from house to house grabbing for the candy like a pro!  Bridget was her usual cool-self...just hanging out queen-of-the-jungle style.

Relaxing in Savannah

Thanks to Grammy and Papa Doudt looking after X and B, we were able to spend four days enjoying all that Savannah has to offer - great parks, awesome weather, amazing food, and naps!! We watched the sunrise from Tybee Island, enjoyed delicious croissants at Goose Feathers Cafe, late night desert and drinks at Lulu's, and did I mention napping often? Anthony also took advantage of all the photography opportunities that Savannah offers - Tybee Island, all the city parks, historical buildings, the river-walk, etc.

Meanwhile....Back in Raleigh 

Grammy and Papa were looking after our little monkeys providing all the snuggles, wrestling, and choo-choo playing required. Xavier and Bridget had such a good time. Xavier stills asks where Grammy and Papa are (while putting his hands out and striking the pose for the international sign for "I don't know")